Teeth Bleaching

Dental bleaching or teeth bleaching can restore the natural whiteness of your smile. It is a relatively simple procedure that most people can have performed. Dr Kaplan addresses some common patient concerns about teeth bleaching and explains the process in further detail.

Q. How Can I Get The Yellow Out Of My Teeth?

A. The first step is to get a professional cleaning and tooth polishing to remove superficial stains. This will help your dentist evaluate the type and amount of “real” discolouration present in your teeth. Then, an appropriate teeth bleaching technique is recommended. Subsequent follow-up may be recommended to maintain your new tooth colour.

Q. How Long Does Teeth Bleaching Last?

A. Each person is different. It depends on many factors including your diet, the original colour of your teeth, and each individual tooth’s ability to absorb the bleaching products.

Q. I Have Dark Stains, What Can Be Done?

A. A good cleaning in the dental office is a good start. Many times, the “home bleach technique” is most adequate and effective. If your teeth are very dark it may take up to three months at home.

Q. My Old Fillings In The Front Have Turned Dark. Can They Be Bleached?

A. Bonding and composite resin fillings do not bleach. Usually, polishing may help, but if not, you can have the surface of the fillings redone. Otherwise, it’s time to replace with newer bonding or porcelain laminates for longer lasting results. Remember, only replace these fillings after teeth bleaching in order to match the new, improved colour of your own natural tooth.

Q. Is There More Than One Way To Bleach?

A. Yes. The in–office option is an external light source or new laser techniques. An at-home matrix or nightguard used with a carbamide peroxide gel will also bleach teeth.

Q. I Have One Dark Tooth In The Front. Will Regular At-Home Bleaching Make It Lighter?

A. External teeth bleaching may not help. Internal bleaching may be the solution if the tooth has had the nerve removed (root canal treatment). If not, consider bonding, porcelain veneering, or capping the tooth to mask the darkness.

Q. I Have Been Smoking For Years –– Can My Teeth Be Whiter?

A. Yes. Our external teeth bleaching may or may not help. If not, the teeth can be covered with a light composite resin bonding or beautiful “stick on” porcelain laminates. However, continued heavy smoking will unfortunately shorten the longevity of any treatment result.

Q. Will A Special Whitening Toothpaste Really Lighten Teeth?

A. Yes. Our external teeth bleaching may or may not help. If not, the teeth can be covered with a light composite resin bonding or beautiful “stick on” porcelain laminates. However, continued heavy smoking will unfortunately shorten the longevity of any treatment result.